Hodgson piles more misery on Cas

David Hodgson ran in a hat-trick as Huddersfield compounded the problems of crisis club Castleford with a 24-0 victory.

Jamahl Lolesi also touched down and Brett Hodgson converted all four at the Galpharm Stadium as the struggling, injury-hit Tigers slipped to their eighth defeat in 11 Engage Super League games.

The Tigers, wearied after a dismal Easter and with pressure mounting on coach Terry Matterson, were plunged into fresh turmoil less than four hours before kick-off. It was then it emerged key players Rangi Chase and Joe Westerman had both been left out for disciplinary reasons, joining seven crocked first-teamers on the sidelines.

Yet despite that, the Tigers that remained actually produced a spirited performance to frustrate the Giants for long periods. The hosts were slow to find their stride and it was not until the final quarter that victory, and a move back to third in the table, was assured.

They were clearly the superior side, however, and were it not for a number of handling errors and some spirited Tigers defence, they might have led by more than 6-0 at half-time.

Their only score of the first half came in the 14th minute, when Kevin Brown offloaded brilliantly in the tackle and Lee Gilmour and Paul Whatuira spread the ball wide for David Hodgson to go over in the corner. Brett Hodgson added the conversion and then could have created a second try for Lolesi but his pass flew straight into touch.

It was not until after the break that the Giants managed to stretch their lead. Brett Hodgson found David Hodgson after a fine run and the winger slid over to double his tally after 45 minutes, with Brett Hodgson adding his second touchline goal.

Castleford responded with a sustained spell of pressure and four quick penalties close to the Giants line threatened to haul them back into the game. But they were unable to capitalise and Huddersfield emerged unscathed after Michael Cooper lost the ball attempting to touch down.

Huddersfield made the game safe 13 minutes from time as Brown broke up the middle and Whatuira sent David Hodgson racing clear to complete his hat-trick. Another followed in quick succession as Brough weaved his way through, Luke Robinson took up the attack and Lolesi finished off on the right.